For over 30 years, the National Sleep Foundation[1] (NSF) has researched sleep behaviors and reported on sleep science, aiming to promote better sleep and raise awareness about the importance of good sleep hygiene. From March 10th to 16th, the NSF powers Sleep Awareness Week[2], designed to emphasize vital links between quality sleep[3] and overall health and well-being.
To honor Sleep Awareness Week, and ultimately boost your health, why not reflect on your own sleep habits in view of improving your nightly rest? The NSF has a free and easy-to-use Sleep Diary[4] that lets you track your sleep habits and identify room for improvement and areas of concern. This article covers the benefits of tracking your sleep and the importance of quality rest.
Why Sleep Is Important
Sleep is crucial for regulating hormones and blood pressure[5], boosting the immune system and maintaining breathing and heart health. Research also indicates that good sleep promotes recovery following injury or illness[6], and reduces the risk of inflammation. Conversely, inadequate sleep, particularly over the longer term, can contribute to chronic health conditions[7], including diabetes, kidney disease, depression and stroke. Furthermore, poor quality sleep can affect cognitive functioning[8], mental health and mood.
Why Tracking Sleep is Valuable
Tracking sleep helps you to identify common patterns, spot problematic habits, improve your sleep hygiene practices and consider seeking medical advice. Knowing your nightly habits helps you to replicate those that aid good sleep and change those, such as eating late in the evening or using technology in bed, that hinder you from falling asleep.
Tracking your sleep, whether manually or using an electronic device[9], also helps you understand why you wake during the night. That could be due to noise, pets[10], or anxiety, which may encourage you to make changes that enable you to remain asleep for longer. In essence, you'll be able to identify whether you're getting enough high-quality and beneficial-for-health rest.
Extra Challenges Associated with Sleep Equipment
Although sleep therapy equipment can greatly improve sleep quality for people with sleep disorders[11], it also introduces small challenges for new users. For example, equipment may feel uncomfortable while users are getting used to it.
Additionally, equipment sounds and lights, although usually minimal, may create a disturbance. It's crucial that individuals clean their equipment regularly per manufacturer recommendations. In addition to handwashing with soap and water, the SoClean 3[12] can enhance routines and help individuals maintain their equipment to the highest standards. Water and mess-free, the device is convenient and works with all popular sleep equipment brands. It also comes with a 30-day risk-free trial and 2-year warranty for greater peace of mind.
Start tracking your sleep over Sleep Awareness Week and take steps to improve your sleep quality to ultimately improve or maintain good health.
References
- National Sleep Foundation – Mission and Goals
- National Sleep Foundation – Sleep Awareness Week 2024
- WebMB – How Sleep Affects Your Health
- National Sleep Foundation – Sleep Diary
- News in Health – The Benefits of Slumber
- UChicago News – How sleep affects human health, explained
- AAMC – Sleep as a determinant of health
- National Library of Medicine – The consequences of sleep deprivation on cognitive performance
- National Library of Medicine – Sleep tracking: A systematic review of the research using commercially available technology
- SoClean – Pets in Bed: Pros and Cons for Sleep Quality and Health
- Cleveland Clinic – Sleep Disorders
- SoClean – SoClean 3
